number of convents and churches, the principal of which (the cathedral) is still a magnificent building, notwithstanding the destruction of the cupolas of both its towers in the great earthquake of 1818.
The Alameda, or public walk, is very prettily laid out, for the trees, instead of being drawn up in battle array, in straight lines, intersecting each other at right angles like the streets, are made to cover a large tract of ground in irregular alleys, while in summer the whole open space is filled with flowers, particularly roses, which give it a very lively appearance. There is a fountain, too, in the centre, and a stream of water all round. Within the town, the Portales are the principal rendezvous, as, besides a number of handsome shops, well provided with European and Chinese manufactures, they contain a variety of stalls covered with domestic productions, fruits of all kinds, earthenware from Tŏnālă, shoes in quantities, mangas, saddlery, birds in cages, "dulces" of Călăbăzātĕ, and a thousand other trifles, for which there seems to be an incessant demand. As each of these stalls pays a small ground-rent, the convents to which the Portales belong derive from them a considerable revenue. They are the counterpart of the Părĭān in Mexico, but infinitely more ornamental, being built with equal solidity and good taste.
Guadalajara possesses a mint, and four printing-presses, all established since the Revolution. The mint is under the direction of an Englishman, Mr.
